The authors of the new study emphasised they did not know what the effect was of drinking heavily, because there were too few such drinkers.

Professor Alan Silman, medical director of Arthritis Research UK, warned: “This study should not be regarded as a directive to binge drink.

He added: “It must be remembered that drinking alcohol in excess can be especially dangerous in rheumatoid arthritis patients who are taking some anti-rheumatoid drugs that may cause liver damage, and anti-inflammatory painkillers which can lead to gastro-intestinal problems, which can be exacerbated by alcohol.”